MOUNT CARMEL - The Mount Carmel Area Joint Veterans Committee held its 422nd Changing of the Colors flag ceremony Sept. 25 in honor and memory of Henry R. "Kelly" Fesniak, a veteran of World War II.
Fesniak was born Dec. 1, 1924, in Marian Heights, a son of the late John and Caroline (Rycyk) Fesniak. He attended Kulpmont High School.
Fesniak enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps May 25, 1943, in Philadelphia. He was honorably discharged as a private first class July 19, 1946, from Casual Company Military Base in Quantico, Va. A mortar crewman with the Second Marine Division, he served in the Pacific Theater of Operations from Feb. 18, 1945, through July 13, 1946. His unit was the first to enter Nagasaki, Japan, after the dropping of the atomic bomb which led to the end of World War II. He received the following medals: Good Conduct Medal, World War II honorable discharge lapel button and the Marine Corps discharge button.
He was married Sept. 24, 1949, at the Patronage of the Mother of God Ukrainian Catholic Church, in Marion Heights, to the former Mary Rusinko, who preceded him in death Jan. 9, 2007.
Fesniak was a member of Holy Angels Church and American Legion Post 231, both of Kulpmont, and a life member of the Marion Heights Fire Company, Marine Corps League Black Diamond Detachment and the Catholic War Veterans, of which he was a past commander.
An outstanding athlete, Fesniak excelled in both football and basketball. He played semi-pro football for several teams, including the Pottsville Maroons. He was inducted into the Ed Romance Chapter of the Pennsylvania Hall of Fame in 2001.
Fesniak died July 3, 2011, and is buried in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Cemetery, Marion Heights. He is survived by a daughter, three sons and a grandson.
The flag that was flown for the past month was in honor and memory of Anthony V. Miscavige Jr., who served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Taps was played on the bugle by Vince Giacomini as the flag was lowered by Anthony Candelora. The flag was folded by Ann Ray Begis, William Begis and Candelora, and presented to Miscavige's daughter, Maria Urick, by Walter Summers.
The Fesniak flag was escorted to the ceremony by Tanya Ladilca and presented by Fesniak's daughter, Judy Bucher, to Summers for raising. Andrew Bubnis raised the flag while the national anthem was played. David Berezovske read the military records of both veterans. Fesniak's son, the Rev. Mark Fesniak, led all in reciting the Lord's Prayer. The ceremony ended with a silent salute for all veterans.
Charles Noskoviak carried the American flag, and Connie Andrews carried the Marine Corps flag to the ceremony. The rifle escort consisted of William Begis and Bubnis. Traffic control was provided by James Kealy. Summers thanked the members and friends of both families for their attendance. Also participating in the ceremony were John Hirsch, past national president of the Veterans of Foreign War, auxiliary Helen Harsh and Theresa Clark.
The next flag ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16, when the flag will be raised in honor and memory of Charlkes M. Zlockie Sr., who served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
The Mount Carmel Area Joint Committee will also meet at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 16 at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2110 to discuss Veterans Day activities. All organizations are asked to send representatives.